Kenneth “Ken” Mark Hardgrove, 72, passed away peacefully on April 15 after a courageous battle with PSP. He was a longtime Palisadian and parishioner at Corpus Christi.
Ken was born in Somerville, New Jersey, on December 31, 1951, and is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Frances, his sister, Barbara, and brother, Richard. Ken is survived by the love of his life and wife of 41 years, Holly, his daughters Allison (Charlie) and Lauren, and his grandson, Owen Kenneth. Ken was overjoyed to meet his grandson and namesake, who was born in March.
Ken graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a B.A. in 1976 and received his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1979. Ken was one of the founding partners of Sherwood and Hardgrove, where he practiced real estate law for more than 35 years.
He took great pride in his career and mentored many attorneys over the years. His longstanding clients became dear friends. Ken maintained an AV rating his entire career, awarded to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence by their peers.
He had many interests: Ken enjoyed cheering for his favorite sports teams, including the Dodgers, Packers, UCLA and each of his daughters’ schools. He had a passion for airplanes, cars (especially red convertibles) and traveling.
An avid reader and lifelong learner, he had a deep knowledge of many diverse topics and loved sharing that knowledge. Going back to New Jersey every summer to visit family and spend time at the shore brought him great joy; he was immensely proud of his Italian and Jersey roots.
Family was everything to Ken, and his three girls were his world. Even in his final days, his priority was making sure that they would be OK.
Ken was our rock and the kindest, wisest, most loving and best person you could have in your corner. As personable and charming as they come, he could have a conversation with anyone about just about anything. We will forever cherish our memories with him and will carry his legacy forward, remembering all he taught us and striving to live up to the example he set.
We will celebrate Ken’s life on Friday, May 17, at Corpus Christi Church. A reception will immediately follow. If you wish to make a donation in Ken’s name, the family requests that donations be made to CurePSP: psp.org.
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